The State Museum of Pennsylvania

09/05/2026

Did you know that Pennsylvania has 67 species of freshwater mussels and 12 are listed as state or federally endangered or threatened? Freshwater mussels are considered keystone species in aquatic communities around the world. They provide ecosystem services, including water filtration and streambed stabilization, which help maintain the health of our streams, rivers, and lakes. Want to learn more?

Join Jordan Allison, Fisheries Biologist with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, during the September Learn at Lunchtime program when he discusses freshwater mussel diversity, life history, and ecology, and the ongoing species recovery efforts in the West Branch Susquehanna River.

This free virtual program is presented via Zoom. Registration is required - https://statemuseumpa.org/events/virtual-mussels/

Can't attend live? Register to receive a direct link to watch the recorded webinar.

09/05/2026

Good morning from The State Museum of Pennsylvania! Enjoy the weekend!

09/04/2026

Natural history dioramas recreate a natural habitat in three dimensions. They include a curved painted mural, posed taxidermy specimens, replica plants, stones and other elements to create a replica of an outside habitat inside a museum.

The thirteen dioramas in Mammal Hall depict actual locations in the Commonwealth and the plants and wildlife that are found there. When Mammal Hall first opened in 1968, it was the second gallery installed at the museum. After 50 years, and thousands of visitors, a conservation and cleaning project was necessary to restore both the habitats and animals.

Take a closer look at the renovation of Mammal Hall completed in 2018 to learn more - https://bit.ly/4xcict2

09/01/2026

Are you ready for falling leaves, a pumpkin spice latte and sweater weather? Well then today is your day! September 1 is the first day of meteorological fall. Meteorological seasons are broken down into three-month groupings based on the annual temperature cycle. Meteorological fall includes September, October, and November.

If you want to enjoy a few more days of summer, then you should follow the astronomical season! You have until September 23!

Take a virtual stroll through Mammal Hall to enjoy all four seasons in Pennsylvania - https://bit.ly/4ycMYmk

08/31/2026

Did you know that mussels have beards? The "beard" is actually made up of strong fibers called byssal threads that anchor the mussels so they don't wash away! Want to learn more about mussels?

Join Jordan Allison, Fisheries Biologist with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, during the September Learn at Lunchtime program when he discusses freshwater mussel diversity, life history, and ecology, and the ongoing species recovery efforts in the West Branch Susquehanna River.

Freshwater mussels are considered keystone species in aquatic communities around the world. They provide ecosystem services, including water filtration and streambed stabilization, which help maintain the health of our streams, rivers, and lakes. Unfortunately, we are at risk of losing this vital resource, as 74% of mussel species in North America are recognized as endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

Sign up for the September Learn at Lunchtime program - https://statemuseumpa.org/events/virtual-mussels/

08/29/2026

Do you have a curious kid who went to school this week? Did they come home with lots of questions and you aren't sure about the answers? We can help with states of matter, why the season change and more! Snuggle up and watch these Curiosity Kids videos to find some answers - https://bit.ly/4zYWJX4

08/28/2026

Did you know that a single freshwater mussel can filter up to 15 gallons of water per day, removing impurities and clarifying the water?

Freshwater mussels are considered keystone species in aquatic communities around the world. They provide ecosystem services, including water filtration and streambed stabilization, which help maintain the health of our streams, rivers, and lakes. Unfortunately, we are at risk of losing this vital resource, as 74% of mussel species in North America are recognized as endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

Jordan Allison, Fisheries Biologist with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, will discuss the ongoing species recovery efforts in the West Branch Susquehanna River and freshwater mussel diversity, life history, and ecology.

Sign up for the September Learn at Lunchtime program - https://statemuseumpa.org/events/virtual-mussels/

08/26/2026

While we think they are great, they are definitely not Danish! Great Danes were bred in Germany in the 1800s for boar hunting. Did you know that a male Great Dane can reach up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as 175 pounds! That's a great big dog!

A Great Dane is featured with William Penn in a mural located in the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. Find out more about the Great Dane's selection as the official state dog of Pennsylvania - https://bit.ly/4qrnVsT

08/24/2026

Did you have a waffle today?

Today is ! How are you celebrating?

Abbott & Lawrence's Liberty Stove Works in manufactured cast-iron waffle irons between 1851 and 1857, such as this example preserved by The State Museum of Pennsylvania.

08/23/2026

Are you out playing 18 holes this morning?

During his five-decades-long career, Latrobe, Pennsylvania native Arnold Palmer established himself as one of golf’s most admired players and one of Keystone State's most recognized sportsmen. His over 90 professional titles included four Masters Tournaments, one U.S. Open, and two British Open wins from 1958 to 1964. Those championships, along with the broad, mass appeal he brought to the sport, led the Associated Press to name him “Athlete of the Decade” for the 1960s.

In 2000, Palmer generously donated a golf bag, along with a set of clubs and other accessories to The State Museum of Pennsylvania.

View these artifacts and more in the museum’s online collection - https://bit.ly/4wB6zey